JP5150263B2 - Boiler for use in a steam generator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a boiler for heating water, which includes a boiler casing that surrounds the boiler space, and an inlet opening that allows water to enter the boiler space is disposed in the boiler casing.

  Such boilers are generally known and are of various types including steam ironing devices, active ironing plates that can supply steam to objects to be ironed, facial sauna devices, steam cleaning devices, and coffee makers. Applied to personal devices.

European publication EP 0 855 555 discloses a boiler that is suitable for use in combination with an iron, the boiler oscillating about a horizontal hinge shaft and arranged on a moving member supported by a spring. When steam is generated and the amount of water inside the boiler is reduced, the moving member is a microswitch so that the rising of the moving member allows the desired limited amount of cold water to be introduced into the boiler. Through the spring until it causes the operation of the electric pump. During the process, the amount of water injected is limited to the amount of water already boiling, so in practice there is no change in the boiler's ability to deliver steam.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,207 discloses a steam generator with an automatic feed, which has a level sensor located in the zone of the container located at a set threshold. During operation of the steam generator, the sensor measures the temperature and compares it to a reference temperature to ascertain whether the liquid reaches a threshold level. Furthermore, since the steam generator has adjusting means acting in connection with the steam tapping operation, the sensor temperature varies over the variation range in relation to the liquid level, allowing comparison with the reference temperature, The temperature remains in the fluctuation range. In this way, it should be noted that a useful signal is provided not only when there is a stable equilibrium between the liquid and the gas, but also when the liquid boils.

European publication EP 0 438 112 discloses a steam iron having a button for activating an electric valve for delivering steam generated by a separate boiler having a pressure switch and a thermostat. A refillable water tank is connected to at least one pump connected to the boiler using a non-return / automatic triggering valve. A temperature sensor and / or a sensor that detects the weight of the boiler is provided to activate the pump. The boiler may have at least one level switch. This device makes it possible to provide a low-capacity boiler and at the same time allows a continuous and constant steam delivery.

European Publication No. EP0821096 discloses a steam generator, the steam generator includes a boiler, a water tank, a water supply pipe with an inserted supply pump a water tank connected and therein the boiler Including. The boiler has an inclined bottom and a heating plate is externally mounted thereon. In a practical embodiment, the heating plate is associated in an interference fit with the bottom by bolting with the application of a thermally conductive paste between the heating plate and the bottom.

  For the purpose of controlling the water supply when the water level inside the boiler falls below a predetermined minimum value, the steam generator includes a thermostat switch, which can activate the delivery pump. , Located in the top zone of the inclined bottom of the boiler. The hole through which water enters the boiler is located in the zone area where the thermostat switch is attached.

  In known steam generators, when the water level inside the boiler is below a predetermined minimum, the top zone at the bottom of the boiler is no longer covered by water. The characteristics of the top thermal behavior strongly depend on whether water is present above the top zone. The thermostat switch is configured to activate the pump when the interpretation of the sensed characteristic of the thermal behavior of the top zone indicates that the water level inside the boiler has dropped below the level of the top zone at the bottom of the boiler. The

  As a result of the inclined structure at the bottom of the boiler, it ensures that the boiler always contains a certain amount of water, so that steam generation is subject to interruption even if the water level has to fall below a certain minimum value. Not.

  A disadvantage of the steam generator known from European publication EP0821096 is that the holes for water entry need to be located in the area of the top zone at the bottom of the boiler, and the position of the holes can be chosen freely. It is not. For example, the holes cannot be positioned to provide access for water flow to the lower zone at the bottom of the boiler. This is because in such a case, a relatively small amount of heated water present in the lower zone is immediately mixed with freshly supplied cold water, which leads to interruption of steam generation. In order to avoid such disadvantageous situations, it is necessary to ensure that the newly supplied water reaches the top zone at the bottom of the boiler, so the largest possible part of the bottom of the boiler is that It can be used to preheat freshly supplied water before mixing with water already present in the boiler.

  A modification of the boiler design of the present invention is proposed in which the location of the holes for water entry need not be above the top zone at the bottom of the boiler to ensure continuous steam generation.

According to a first solution provided by the present invention, a boiler for heating water is provided, including a boiler housing surrounding the boiler space, the inlet opening for allowing water to enter the boiler space, Provided for access to the flow of water to a part of the wall of the boiler casing other than the part of the wall located on the bottom side of the boiler, disposed in the boiler casing, and during operation of the boiler, The first mentioned part of the wall is included in the process of heating the water entering the boiler space before the water entering the boiler space mixes with the water already present in the boiler space.

In the boiler as described in the previous paragraph, during the operation of the boiler, the wall of the hot boiler housing enters the boiler space before the water entering the boiler space mixes with the water already present in the boiler space. Involved in the process of heating water. In this way, even if the available surface of the wall located on the bottom side of the boiler is only partially used or not used at all, freshly supplied water is already present in the boiler space. When mixing with, it is possible to have a surface large enough to heat freshly supplied water to such an extent that steam generation is not interrupted.

  In general, the first solution provided by the present invention is in addition to or instead of using this wall for the purpose of heating water. Summarizing the use of a separate part from the wall located on the bottom side. In many practical cases, the heating means for generating heat is only provided on the outside of the wall located on the bottom side of the boiler, but even in such a case, a separate means is used to heat the water. It is still possible to use part of the wall. This is because the other walls are heated through contact with the wall located on the bottom side of the boiler as well as through contact with the steam generated inside the boiler.

  Besides the advantage of allowing various positions of the inlet opening, the first solution offers the advantage of avoiding a phenomenon called intermittent pumping when the boiler according to the invention is applied to a steam generator To do. In the steam generator known from EP 0821096, when the water level in the boiler falls below a predetermined minimum value and the pump is activated by a thermostat switch, water is supplied to the boiler and the boiler tilts. It reaches the top zone of the bottom and flows in the direction of the bottom zone of the bottom. As a result of the water reaching the bottom top zone, the temperature of this zone drops rapidly. As soon as the thermostat switch senses a temperature drop, it deactivates the pump, even if the total amount of water in the boiler is not sufficient to cover the bottom top zone. As soon as the pump is deactivated, the temperature at the bottom exposed top zone rises rapidly and the thermostat switch activates the pump again. This cycle is repeated until the water level reaches a predetermined value at which the bottom top zone is covered.

  In the boiler according to the invention, the newly supplied water is heated under the influence of contact with the other walls of the boiler housing before reaching the wall located on the bottom side of the boiler. In this way, it is achieved that intermittent pumping occurs to a lesser extent or not at all. A further advantage is that the thermoelectric shock effect on the heating means of the boiler is reduced, thereby increasing the reliability and durability of these means.

  The wall of the boiler housing may comprise a protruding plate or the like positioned in the path to be followed by fresh water flow. Within the scope of the present invention, such protruding plates or similar means are also considered as part of the wall of the boiler housing other than the part of the wall located on the bottom side of the boiler.

  The boiler heating means is connected to the outside of the boiler casing. Preferably, the connection between the heating means and the boiler housing is constructed using a connection method comprising welding materials together under the influence of heat, such as brazing, soldering or welding. In this way, it is achieved that the heat transfer from the heating means through the boiler housing to the water occurs very efficiently. Specifically, in a situation where the heating means is directly connected to the boiler housing using a connection method such as brazing, soldering, or welding, the intermediate metal layer is disposed between the heating means and the boiler housing. The heat transfer occurs more efficiently than in situations where the heating means is attached to the boiler housing using screws or similar fastening means.

  In a preferred embodiment of the boiler, the heating means comprises a heating element for generating heat and a heating plate for distributing the heat, the heating plate being a heat such as brazing, soldering or welding. The heating element is connected to the heating plate using a similar connection method using a connection method that involves melting the materials together under the influence of.

  In another preferred embodiment, the boiler housing includes a bottom wall, a top wall, and a circumferential wall extending between the bottom wall and the top wall, the bottom wall being located on the bottom side of the boiler, The wall is located on the top side of the boiler, and an inlet opening for allowing water to enter the boiler space is provided in a part of the circumferential wall for access to the flow of water. If the orientation of the boiler longitudinal axis deviates from the normal, the inlet opening can easily be provided in the top wall of the boiler housing and at the same time provide access for water flow to a part of the circumferential wall . Advantageously, the circumferential wall includes a lower zone and an upper zone, and the inlet opening is arranged to provide access for water flow to the upper zone of the circumferential wall. In such a case, it is possible to obtain a relatively large surface of the boiler housing that is applied to heat newly supplied water.

  Within the scope of the present invention, an inlet opening can also be arranged to provide access for the flow of water to the top wall of the boiler housing. In such a case, freshly supplied water can flow along a portion of the circumferential and top walls before reaching the water already present in the bottom wall or boiler space.

  Advantageously, the top wall of the boiler housing comprises a lower part and an upper part, the upper part being arranged at a higher level than the lower part and the inlet opening being arranged in said lower part of the top wall. In practice, in such an embodiment, the top wall includes a planar sheet, and the planar sheet has an inclined orientation relative to the horizontal. An advantage of arranging the inlet opening in the lower part of the top wall instead of the upper part of the top wall is that the overall length of the connecting means for connecting the boiler and the water supply hole to the boiler can be reduced. This is particularly advantageous when the boiler is used in equipment that provides limited space, such as a hand-held steam iron.

  The bottom wall of the boiler housing also includes a lower portion and an upper portion, and the upper portion is disposed at a higher level than the lower portion. In fact, in such an embodiment, the bottom wall may include a flat sheet having an inclined orientation relative to the horizontal. In this way, it is achieved that the area of the bottom wall is increased relative to the bottom wall having a horizontal orientation and having the same horizontal dimension. As a result, the heating plate or the like covering the outside of the bottom wall can be larger. Furthermore, it is possible to have a situation where only the lower part is covered with water while the upper part is not covered because of the inclination of the bottom wall. Since it is relatively easy to detect such a situation, it is relatively easy to control the water level in a boiler having an inclined bottom wall. Another advantage of the bottom wall tilt orientation is that an interruption in steam generation can be prevented because a buffer amount of water is present in the boiler.

  According to the second solution provided by the present invention, a boiler for heating water is provided, and includes a boiler housing that surrounds the boiler space, and heating means for heating the contents of the boiler housing. Including, the heating means is connected to the outside of the boiler housing using a connection method that involves melting the materials together under the influence of heat, such as brazing, soldering, or welding. In such boilers, the heating means from the heating means through the walls of the boiler housing to the water present in the boiler space as compared to a boiler that includes heating means mounted on the boiler housing using screws or similar fastening means. The efficiency of heat transfer is improved. In this way, when the newly supplied water mixes with the water already present in the boiler space, use a smaller surface to heat the newly supplied water to such an extent that steam generation is not interrupted. Is possible. As a result, when positioning the inlet opening, it is not necessary to consider the requirement of obtaining the largest possible surface for heating the water. In the case of a boiler housing with an inclined bottom wall, this implies that an inlet opening is not necessarily required to provide access for water flow to the upper part of the bottom wall.

Dutch publication NL9500322 discloses a boiler as described in the previous paragraph. Specifically, the boiler known from Dutch publication NL9500322 has a coil-shaped resistance heating element connected to the bottom of the boiler housing by welding.

According to a second solution provided by the present invention, the heating means may include both heating plates for distributing heating elements and heat to generate heat, heating plates, brazing, soldering Or connected to the outside of the boiler housing using a connection method that involves melting the materials together under the influence of heat, such as welding, and the heating element connected to the heating plate using a similar connection method Is done.

  The present invention also relates to a steam generator, a water tank for containing water, a boiler according to the present invention, and a pump from the water tank through an inlet opening arranged in the boiler space of the boiler, including a pump. Supply means for supplying water to the boiler space of the boiler. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a household appliance comprising a boiler according to the present invention, for example a steam ironing device, an active ironing board, a facial sauna device, a steam cleaning device or a coffee maker. It can be.

  The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, similar parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a steam ironing device 100, which includes a boiler 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is also referred to as first boiler 1 in the following. The main function of the boiler 1 is to heat water into steam. Essentially, the boiler 1 is mounted in a plastic housing (not shown).

  The boiler 1 includes a boiler housing 10 that surrounds a boiler space 11 in which a process for converting water into steam occurs during operation of the boiler 1. The boiler housing 10 is preferably made of stainless steel, is shaped like a cylinder, and includes a bottom wall 12 and a top wall 13. In the illustrated embodiment, both the bottom wall 12 and the top wall 13 include flat sheets. Further, the boiler housing 10 includes a circumferential wall 14 extending between the bottom wall 12 and the top wall 13. In the preferred embodiment of the boiler 1, the circumferential wall 14 has a circular circumference, but it does not change the fact that the circumferential wall 14 can be shaped differently.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall 12 and the top wall 13 of the boiler housing 10 extend substantially parallel to each other. The central axis of the circumferential wall 14 extends substantially perpendicular to both the bottom wall 12 and the top wall 13, and the diameter of the circumferential wall 14 is constant over its height. The boiler housing 10 may include an upper molded shell and a lower molded shell. They are connected to each other using a suitable connection method, for example by welding.

  The boiler 1 is oriented such that the bottom wall 12 and the top wall 13 of the boiler housing 10 are inclined with respect to the horizontal. As a result of this orientation, the lower portion 12a, 13a and the upper portion 12b, 13b are identified on both the bottom wall 12 and the top wall 13, the lower zone 14a and the upper zone 14b are identified on the circumferential wall 14, and In the boiler 1, it is possible to identify the lower region 1a and the upper region 1b.

  For the purpose of allowing water to enter the boiler space 11, an inlet opening 15 is arranged in the lower part 13 a of the top wall 13. For the purpose of letting steam out of the boiler space 11, an outlet opening 16 is arranged in the upper zone 14 b of the circumferential wall 14 in the vicinity of where the circumferential wall 14 is connected to the top wall 13.

  The steam ironing device 100 includes a steam iron 20. The design and operation of the steam iron 20 will not be described here. This is because steam irons are generally known and, therefore, the present invention does not relate to such a steam iron 20. The steam iron 20 is connected to the outlet opening 16 of the boiler 1 through a steam delivery hole 21, and an electromagnetic valve 22 for releasing the steam is disposed on the steam delivery hole 21.

  Steam ironing device 100 further includes a water tank 30 for containing water and a supply structure 40 for supplying water from water tank 30 to boiler space 11 of boiler 1 through inlet opening 15 of boiler 1. . The supply structure 40 includes an electric water pump 41 for injecting water from the water tank 30 into the boiler 1. On the inlet side, the pump 41 is connected to the water tank 30 through a pump hose 42. On the outlet side, the pump 41 is connected to a deaeration valve 43. By using this valve 43, the situation where the boiler 1 is overfilled with water when a vacuum is formed in the boiler space 11 as a result of cooling the boiler 1 after use is avoided. The deaeration valve 43 is connected to the water tank 30 through the deaeration hose 44. Furthermore, on the outlet side, the pump 41 is connected to the inlet opening 15 of the boiler 1 through a water supply hose 45.

  For the purpose of heating the water present in the boiler space 11, the boiler 1 comprises a ring-shaped or U-shaped heating element and a heating plate for distributing the heat generated by the heating element 50 during its operation. 51. Preferably, the material forming the heating element 50 includes a metal, and the same applies to the material forming the heating plate 51.

  The heating plate 51 covers most of the outer surface of the bottom wall 12 of the boiler casing 10 and includes a method of connection including melting together metal materials under the influence of heat such as brazing, soldering, or welding. Is connected to the bottom wall 12. In this way, an intermediate metal layer is formed between the heating plate 51 and the bottom wall 12, making the transfer of heat from the heating plate 51 to the bottom wall 12 during operation of the heating element 50 very efficient. The heating element 50 is arranged on the lower surface 52 of the heating plate 51 and the connection between the heating element 50 and the heating plate 51 is similar to the connection between the heating plate 51 and the bottom wall 12 or by casting. Built. As a result, the heating element 50 and the heating plate 51 are also connected to each other by the intermediate metal layer, and heat transfer from the heating element 50 to the heating plate 51 is very efficient during the operation of the heating element 50.

  For the purpose of establishing connections between the heating plate 51 and the boiler housing 10 and between the heating element 50 and the heating plate 51, it is possible to apply a connection method such as stud welding. Is appended. Furthermore, at least one of the connection between the heating plate 51 and the boiler housing 10 and the connection between the heating element 50 and the heating plate 51 uses a connection method including melting materials together under the influence of heat. It is also possible to achieve very efficient heat transfer when constructed in other ways. For example, the connection can be established by applying a heat resistant adhesive. It is important that the heating means 50 and 51 of the boiler 1 are directly connected to the boiler housing 10 in some form and directly to each other.

  A safety valve 17 and a pressostat 53 are arranged on the top wall 13 of the boiler housing 10. The pressostat 53 serves to control the operation of the heating element 50 based on conditions where a predetermined pressure needs to be maintained in the boiler space 11, which is related to the presence of a predetermined amount of steam in the boiler space 11. To do. When the pressure appears to be lower than the predetermined pressure, the heating element 50 is switched on, and when the pressure appears to be above the predetermined pressure, the heating element 50 is switched off.

  During the operation of the steam ironing device 100, water present in the boiler space 11 is converted into steam, and the steam is supplied to the steam iron 20. In order to ensure continuous steam generation and to avoid situations where the boiler 1 boils and dries, the boiler 1 comprises means for controlling the water level in the boiler 1, which means: The pump 41 is configured to be activated when the water level is below a predetermined minimum level and to be stopped when the water level is at a predetermined maximum level. Specifically, these means include a thermostat switch 46, which is disposed on the lower surface 52 of the heating plate 51 in the upper region 1 b of the boiler 1.

  The thermostat switch 46 includes a sensing component for sensing temperature and a switching component that is controlled based on the results of temperature measurements performed by the sensing component. It is possible that these components of the thermostat switch 46 are arranged apart from each other. The boiler 1 may include any other suitable thermal switching means other than the thermostat switch 46, for example, a thermistor with an electronic controller.

  According to a preferred possibility, the thermostat switch 46 is arranged in close proximity to the heating element 50 and is not a thermal barrier from the heating element 50 to the rest of the heating plate 51 but rather to direct heat to the thermostat switch 46. Is disposed in the heating plate 51. In a practical embodiment, such a thermal barrier can be formed as a slot in the heating plate 51.

  The manner in which the water level in the boiler 1 is controlled will now be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, the water level at which the water covers the entire bottom wall 12 is represented by a dotted line and indicated by the reference A. When the water level is above level A, the amount of water in the boiler space 11 is sufficient for normal operation of the boiler. However, when the water level falls below level A and the water does not cover the upper portion 12b of the bottom wall 12, to avoid a situation where the boiler 1 boils and dries and steam generation is interrupted. A new supply of water is needed. In FIG. 1, water is present in the boiler space 11, but the water level that leaves the water exposing the upper portion 12 b of the bottom wall 12 is represented by a dotted line and indicated by reference numeral B.

  When the water level matches level B, the temperature of the upper portion 12b of the bottom wall 12 is significantly higher than the normal temperature associated with the situation where this portion 12b is covered with water. Since the switching temperature at which the switching component of the thermostat switch 46 is placed from the open position to the closed position is above the normal temperature, the switching component remains in the open position as long as the water level is above level A. When the water level falls from level A to level B, the temperature of the upper portion 12b of the bottom wall 12 becomes higher than the normal temperature and at a certain moment higher than the switching temperature of the switching component. At that moment, the switching component is blocked and, as a result, the pump 41 is activated.

  As a result of the operation of the pump 41, water is injected from the water tank 30 into the boiler 1 through the pump hose 42 and the water supply hose 45. Water enters the boiler space 11 through the inlet opening 15. In the boiler space 11, water falls while following a substantially vertical virtual path mainly under the influence of gravity. In FIG. 1, this path is represented by a dotted line and is indicated by the reference symbol C. Subject to the fact that the inlet opening 15 is located in the lower part 13 a of the top wall 13, the newly supplied water is specifically on the circumferential wall 14 at the position of the lower zone 14 a of the circumferential wall 14. To get to. In FIG. 1, the position where the water reaches the circumferential wall 14 is indicated by the reference sign D. As soon as the water contacts the circumferential wall 14, the water begins to flow downward along the circumferential wall 14. During the process, the water is heated under the influence of contact with the circumferential wall 14. As a result, when the newly supplied water reaches the water already present in the boiler space 11 and is mixed with this water, the temperature of the total amount of water remains at a level sufficient for the generation of steam.

  Since water is supplied to the lower region 1a of the boiler 1, a situation in which the temperature of the upper portion 12b of the bottom wall 12 is directly influenced by the flow of the supplied water is avoided. As a result, the temperature of the upper portion 12b of the bottom wall 12 serves as an accurate indication of how much the bottom wall 12 is covered with water. As an advantageous result, premature switching of the switching components of the thermostat switch 46 from the closed position to the open position does not occur.

  As a result of the water supply, the water level in the boiler 1 rises and the bottom wall 12 of the boiler housing 10 is completely covered with water. Under the influence of contact with water, the temperature of the portion 12b of the bottom wall 12 associated with the thermostat switch 46 is strongly reduced, which causes the switching component of the thermostat switch 46 to switch from the closed position to the open position, thereby causing the pump 41 is deactivated and the supply of water from the water tank 30 to the boiler 1 is stopped.

  During operation of the steam ironing device 100 and the boiler 1, the amount of water that reaches a minimum due to steam generation and reaches a maximum due to the supply of water from the water tank 30 is continuously repeated. It is guaranteed that steam generation is not interrupted.

  In an alternative embodiment of the first boiler 1, the inlet opening 15 is positioned above a part of the bottom wall 12 associated with the heating element 50. In FIG. 1, the associated alternative configuration at the end of the water supply hose 45 as well as the associated alternative virtual path followed by newly supplied water is indicated by dotted lines.

  In this alternative embodiment, the steam performance of the boiler 1 is optimized. This is because the newly supplied water directly reaches the hottest zone of the boiler 1, ie the ring-shaped or U-shaped zone associated with the heating element 50. Based on this fact, it is also ensured that the steam generation is not interrupted by the supply of water, even if the newly supplied water is not preheated through contact with the circumferential wall 14.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows a steam ironing device 101, which includes a boiler 2 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, which will also be referred to as second boiler 2 in the following.

  The second boiler 2 is somewhat similar to the first boiler 1. The only important difference relates to the position of the inlet opening 15 and the shape of the top wall 13 of the boiler housing 10.

  The top wall 13 of the boiler housing 10 of the second boiler 2 includes a sheet having two steps and a transition portion between them, the highest portion of the two steps being an upper portion 13b of the top wall 13. Yes, the inlet opening 15 is arranged in the transition part. Because of this structure, when water is supplied to the boiler space 11, the water enters the boiler space 11 in a substantially horizontal flow. Under the influence of gravity, the flow is bent downward and ends on the circumferential wall 14, specifically in a part of the upper zone 14 b of the circumferential wall 14. In FIG. 2, the virtual path traced by the newly supplied water is represented by a dotted line and indicated by the reference symbol C, and the position where the water arrives on the circumferential wall 14 is indicated by the reference symbol D. After the water reaches the upper zone 14b of the circumferential wall 14, it flows in a downward direction along the circumferential wall 14.

  In the second boiler 2, the newly supplied water is preheated before it reaches the upper part 12 b of the bottom wall 12 of the boiler housing 10. In that way, since the temperature drop limitation of the upper portion 12b of the bottom wall 12 is achieved, the thermal shock effect on the heating element 50 and the heating plate 51 is reduced and intermittent pumping occurs to a lesser extent or not at all. Not even.

  3 and 4 show a boiler 3 according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention, which will also be referred to as third boiler 3 in the following.

  The third boiler 3 is somewhat similar to the first boiler 1. The only important difference relates to the position of the inlet opening 15 and the shape of the top wall 13 of the boiler housing 10.

  The top wall 13 of the boiler housing 10 of the third boiler 3 includes a sheet having a first portion 13c extending to a lower level and a second portion 13d extending to a higher level, the first portion 13c being one of the circumferences of the sheet. Touch the department. The first portion 13c and the second portion 13d are connected to each other through the transition portion 13e and include two surfaces that extend substantially perpendicular to each other and to the outer surfaces of both the first portion 13c and the second portion 13d. The first portion 13c is positioned in the lower portion 13a of the top wall 13, and the inlet opening 15 is substantially perpendicular to one of the surfaces of the transition portion 13e, specifically the virtual axle on which the boiler 3 is tilted. Is disposed in a surface extending to the surface.

  As a result of the specific position of the inlet opening 15 in the top wall 13 of the boiler housing 10, when water is supplied to the boiler space 11, the water enters the boiler space 11 with a substantially horizontal flow. Under the influence of gravity, the flow is bent downward and ends at the position of the circumferential wall 14, specifically the lower zone 14 a of the circumferential wall 14. In FIG. 3, the virtual path traced by the newly supplied water is represented by a dotted line and indicated by reference character C, and the position where the water reaches the circumferential wall 14 is indicated by reference character D. After the water reaches the lower zone 14 a of the circumferential wall 14, it flows in a downward direction along the circumferential wall 14.

  The position where the newly supplied water flow arrives on the circumferential wall 14 of the boiler casing 10 of the third boiler 3 is the position where the newly supplied water flow reaches the circumferential wall 14 of the boiler casing 10 of the first boiler 1. Not so different from the position to arrive. As a result, the third boiler 3 functions in the same way as the first boiler 1, and steam generation is not stopped when water supply occurs, and premature interruption of water supply is avoided.

  The advantage of the shape of the top wall 13 of the third boiler 3 with the recessed first part 13c is that when the water supply hose 45 is connected to the inlet opening 15, the connection is arranged below the level of the second part 13d. Thus, a compact design of the boiler 3 and the supply structure 40 connected to it is obtained.

  5 and 6 show a boiler 4 according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, which will also be referred to below as the fourth boiler 4.

  The fourth boiler 4 is somewhat similar to the third boiler 3. The only important difference relates to the position of the first portion 13 c of the top wall 13 of the boiler housing 10. In the fourth boiler 4, the first portion 13 c is located in the upper portion 13 b of the top wall 13, whereas the inlet opening 15 is also a transition portion 13 e that extends substantially perpendicular to the virtual tilt axis on which the boiler 4 is tilted. Located on the surface.

  The virtual path traced by the newly supplied water in the fourth boiler 4 is equivalent to the path traced by the newly supplied water in the third boiler 3. In fact, the only important difference is that in the fourth boiler 4, the path is located in the upper area 3 a of the boiler 4, whereas in the third boiler 3, the path is in the lower area 3 a of the boiler 3. Is located. As a result, in the fourth boiler 4, the newly supplied water flow ends on the upper zone 14 b of the circumferential wall 14. In FIG. 5, the virtual path traced by the newly supplied water is represented by a dotted line and indicated by the reference symbol C, and the position where the water arrives on the circumferential wall 14 is indicated by the reference symbol D. After the water reaches the upper zone 14b of the circumferential wall 14, it flows in a downward direction along the circumferential wall 14.

  The position at which the newly supplied water flow arrives on the boiler casing 10 of the fourth boiler 4 is the position where the newly supplied water flow arrives on the circumferential wall 14 of the boiler casing 10 at the second boiler 2 and the remainder Not different. As a result, the fourth boiler 4 functions in the same manner as the second boiler 2, and the newly supplied water is preheated before reaching the upper portion 12 b of the bottom wall 12 of the boiler housing 10.

  It is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments discussed above, and that some modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  The boilers 1, 2, 3, 4 according to the invention are suitable for use in all types of equipment. The uses of the boilers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are in no way limited to the uses disclosed in the steam ironing devices 100 and 101.

  Components of the disclosed steam ironing apparatus 100, 101 associated with the boilers 1, 2, components arranged to supply water to the boilers 1, and 2 to supply steam to the steam iron 20 All of the arranged components, i.e. all of the other components of the steam ironing devices 100, 101 other than the steam iron 20, are also referred to as steam generators. The steam generator as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be applied in combination with any equipment that can use steam.

  Within the scope of the present invention, it is important that the boilers 1, 2, 3, 4 include heating means for heating the contents of the boiler housing 10. In principle, the design of the heating means can be chosen freely. For example, the heating plate 51 may be omitted, the heating element 50 need not necessarily be ring-shaped or U-shaped, and the boilers 1, 2, 3, 4 may include more than one heating element 50.

  Components such as safety valve 17, solenoid valve 22 on steam delivery hose 21, and deaeration valve 43 can be replaced with other components that can perform a similar function. In any case, these components are not essential to the present invention.

  The bottom wall 12 and the top wall 13 of the boiler housing 10 do not necessarily have to extend substantially parallel to each other. Since the bottom wall 12 is preferably inclined relative to the horizontal, the process of controlling the water level in the boilers 1, 2, 3, 4 can be accomplished relatively easily by using the thermostat switch 46. .

  From the viewpoint of correct operation of the boilers 1, 2, 3, 4, the angle between the horizontal and the bottom wall 12 of the boiler housing 10 is preferably greater than 5 ° and smaller than 40 °. Even more preferably, the angle is between 5 ° and 25 °, and most preferably between 5 ° and 15 °.

  The above describes boilers 1, 2, 3, and 4 for heating water into steam. Boilers 1, 2, 3, 4 include a bottom wall 12, a top wall 13, and a peripheral wall 14 extending between the bottom wall 12 and the top wall 13. When the boilers 1, 2, 3, 4 generate steam and are attached to a steam generator for applying steam to equipment such as the steam iron 20, the boilers 1, 2, 3, 4 are inclined. Is granted.

  An inlet opening 15 is arranged in the boiler casing 10 for the purpose of allowing water to enter the boiler space 11 surrounded by the boiler casing 10. In the boiler 1 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inlet opening 15 is arranged in the lower part 13 a of the top wall 13 of the boiler housing 10. When water is supplied through the inlet opening 15, it arrives on the lower zone 14 a of the circumferential wall 14 and flows further along the circumferential wall 14 in the downward direction. As a result, the water is preheated when it reaches the water already present in the boiler space 11, and there is no risk of interrupting steam generation.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an ironing apparatus including a boiler according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an ironing apparatus including a boiler according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top view showing a boiler according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view which shows the boiler shown by FIG. FIG. 6 is a top view showing a boiler according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view which shows the boiler shown by FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 boiler (first boiler)
2 Boiler (second boiler)
3 boiler (third boiler)
4 Boiler (4th boiler)
1b Upper region 10 Boiler casing 11 Boiler space 12 Bottom wall 12a Lower zone 12b Upper zone 13 Top wall 13a Lower zone 13b Upper zone 13c First part 13d Second part 13e Transition part 14 Circumferential wall 14a Lower zone 14b Upper zone 15 Entrance opening 16 outlet opening 17 safety valve 21 steam delivery hose 22 solenoid valve 30 water tank 40 supply structure 41 pump 42 pump hose 43 deaeration valve 44 deaeration hole 45 water supply hose 46 thermostat switch 50 heating element 51 heating plate 52 lower surface 53 press Stat (pressostat)
100 Steam Ironing Device 101 Steam Ironing Device

Claims (15)

A boiler for heating water, including a boiler casing that surrounds the boiler space, and an inlet opening that allows water to enter the boiler space is disposed in the boiler casing,
The inlet opening is arranged to provide access for water flow to a portion of the wall of the boiler housing other than a portion of the wall located on the bottom side of the boiler ;
A part of the wall of the boiler casing other than a part of the wall located on the bottom side of the boiler is mixed with water that already enters the boiler space during operation of the boiler. It is arranged to heat water entering the boiler space before
boiler.   The boiler housing includes a bottom wall, a top wall, and a circumferential wall extending between the bottom wall and the top wall, the bottom wall being located on a bottom side of the boiler, and the top wall Is located on the top side of the boiler, and the inlet opening for allowing water to enter the boiler space is provided in a part of the circumferential wall for access to water flow. boiler.   The circumferential wall includes a lower zone and an upper zone, and the inlet opening for allowing water to enter the boiler space is arranged to provide access for water flow in the upper zone of the circumferential wall. The boiler according to claim 2.   The top wall of the boiler housing includes a lower portion and an upper portion, the upper portion is disposed at a higher level than the lower portion, and the inlet opening is disposed in the lower portion of the top wall. The boiler according to claim 1.   The boiler according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the bottom wall of the boiler housing includes a lower portion and an upper portion, and the upper portion is disposed at a higher level than the lower portion.   A heating means for heating the contents of the boiler housing, the heating means including melting the materials together under the influence of heat, such as brazing, soldering, or welding. The boiler according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the boiler is connected to an outside of the boiler casing by using a method. A water tank for containing water;
A boiler according to any one of claims 1 to 6;
A supply means for supplying water from the water tank to the boiler space of the boiler through the inlet opening disposed in the boiler space of the boiler, including a pump;
Steam generator.   The said supply means is configured to direct the flow of water through the inlet opening to a part of the wall of the boiler casing other than a part of the wall located on the bottom side of the boiler. Steam generator.   The apparatus further includes thermal switching means for controlling the pump of the supply means, wherein the bottom wall of the boiler housing includes a lower part and an upper part, and the upper part is disposed at a higher level than the lower part. The steam generator according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the thermal switching means is disposed outside the upper portion of the bottom wall. A boiler casing surrounding the boiler space;
Heating means for heating the contents of the boiler housing,
The heating means is connected to the outside of the boiler housing using a connection method that involves melting the materials together under the influence of heat, such as brazing, soldering, or welding,
The heating means includes a heating element for generating heat,
A boiler for heating water,
The heating means further includes a heating plate for distributing heat, the heating plate comprising melting materials together under the influence of heat, such as brazing, soldering, or welding. Connected to the outside of the boiler housing, and the heating element is connected to the heating plate using a similar connection method ,
An inlet opening for allowing water to enter the boiler space is disposed in the boiler casing, and the inlet opening is used for water flow to a part of the boiler casing where the heating means is externally disposed. Characterized in that it is arranged to provide access,
boiler.   The boiler according to claim 10, wherein a bottom wall of the boiler housing includes a lower portion and an upper portion, and the upper portion is disposed at a higher level than the lower portion. A water tank for containing water;
The boiler according to claim 10 or 11,
A supply means for supplying water from the water tank to the boiler space of the boiler through the inlet opening disposed in the boiler space of the boiler, including a pump;
Steam generator.   The apparatus further includes thermal switching means for controlling the pump of the supply means, wherein the bottom wall of the boiler housing includes a lower part and an upper part, and the upper part is disposed at a higher level than the lower part. The steam generator according to claim 12, wherein the thermal switching means is disposed outside the upper portion of the bottom wall.   The heating means of the boiler includes a heating element for generating heat and a heating plate for distributing heat, and the thermal switching means is disposed in proximity to the heating element, 14. A steam generator as claimed in claim 13, wherein a thermal barrier is arranged in the heating plate to direct heat to the thermal switching means rather than the rest of the heating plate.   12. A home appliance such as a steam ironing device, an active ironing plate, a facial sauna device, a steam cleaning device or a coffee maker comprising the boiler according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and 10 or 11. .

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